Introduction to Modeling in math

Modeling is a strategy to represent the important structures of problems so they can more easily be explored and solved. Students use physical or virtual manipulatives to act out and think through problems. What is Modeling?

Key Elements of Modeling Students use objects--and computer versions of objects--they can see and move to engage in problem solving through sight, touch, and kinetics. Examples of objects include: Base-ten blocks Colored chips or tiles Fraction strips Cuisenaire rods Geoboards

How Does Modeling Help Students? Provides concrete experiences from which they can generalize. Promotes their mathematical thinking. Gives them a variety of tools to draw upon. Deepens their conceptual understanding. Builds their confidence in tackling problems.

Discussion Questions 1.What models have you used in your classroom for which mathematical concepts? 2.What are the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual models you have used with struggling students? 3.How could you use a model to help your struggling students make that abstract concept more concrete?

How Can I Support Students' Use of Modeling?

Provide clear explanations Use varied examples, materials, and models Provide ongoing formative assessment Use Evidence-Based Instructional Practices

Plan instruction that considers students' readiness, learning needs, and interests. Use a range of technology tools to: engage learners at varying levels engage learners in multiple ways. offer students options for demonstrating understanding and mastery Differentiated Instruction

Teacher-Dependent Ways to Differentiate By Content Different levels of reading or resource materials, reading buddies, small group instruction, curriculum compacting, multi-level computer programs and Web Quests, audio materials, etc. By Product Activity choice boards, tiered activities, multi-level learning center tasks, similar readiness groups, choice in group work, varied journal prompts, mixed readiness groups with targeted roles for students, etc. By Process Tiered products, students choose mode of presentation to demonstrate learning, independent study, varied rubrics, mentorships, interest-based investigations

Student-Dependent Ways to Differentiate By Content Different levels of reading or resource materials, reading buddies, small group instruction, curriculum compacting, multi-level computer programs and Web Quests, audio materials, etc. By Product Activity choice boards, tiered activities, multi-level learning center tasks, similar readiness groups, choice in group work, varied journal prompts, mixed readiness groups with targeted roles for students, etc. By Process Tiered products, students choose mode of presentation to demonstrate learning, independent study, varied rubrics, mentorships, interest-based investigations

Discussion Questions 1.How does modeling support the Common Core State Standards Math Practices? 2.What types of difficulties do your students have, and how can different types of models support their learning? 3.What role does the content of a lesson have in differentiating instruction?

Provide Clear Explanations: Possible Strategies Describe, demonstrate, and let students practice using each kind of model. Explain the connection between each model and problem. Use language/terms from problems to keep students focused on what models represent.

Use Varied Examples, Materials, and Models: Possible Strategies For each problem, share a range of appropriate models students can choose from. Think aloud as you choose models to help students know when/why to use certain in ones. Model how to use virtual manipulatives.

To assess students’ understanding, ask them to explain why they choose certain models. Watch for and help those who choose models that are too complex or simple for the task. Ask struggling students which strategies the class has learned that might be helpful. Give students time to respond to feedback, ask questions, and share their thinking. Provide Ongoing Formative Assessment: Possible Strategies

Use Online and Offline Tools ToolsOnlineOffline ManipulativesXX Interactive whiteboard XX Web-based applets X Math drawing tools XX CalculatorsXX 3D design software XX Graphing and charting software XX

Use Research-Based Strategies and Tools To launch the lesson During the learning task As you bring closure to the lesson

Discussion Questions 1.What do you consider when you decide which model is appropriate for a particular problem? 2.What are the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual vs. physical models? 3.What types of formative assessment have you found to be particularly useful when checking for students’ understanding of models?

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